With over 50 days left until the October 19 provincial referendum, Elections Alberta reports a surge in requests for mail-in voting compared to previous elections. As of Tuesday, they have received more than 175,000 applications for special ballots, a significant increase from the 59,589 requests for the 2023 election, which itself was more than double the 2019 figures.
The upcoming referendum will feature 10 questions, covering immigration, constitutional matters, and a potential second binding vote on Alberta’s separation. The shift towards special ballots is partially due to the cessation of the “Vote Anywhere” system, where voters could cast their ballots at any polling station across the province during advanced voting. This change, alongside expanded eligibility for special ballots, has encouraged more voters to opt for mail-in voting.
Applications for special ballots opened in July and will continue until September 25, available to all eligible electors. Ballots will be sent out starting September 1, and voters must return them by mail before 5 p.m. on October 16. Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure suggested that the complexity of the 10 referendum questions could be a reason for the increased interest in mail-in voting, allowing voters more time for review.
Political expert Lori Williams from Mount Royal University highlighted the potential for long lineups during in-person voting and the need for additional support for the referendum, contributing to the growing preference for mail-in ballots. The intricate nature of the questions on the ballot could lead to confusion among voters and longer wait times, driving further interest in mail-in options.
As discussions around the referendum intensify, Williams anticipates a continued rise in mail-in ballot requests, emphasizing the significance of the referendum for Alberta and Canada’s future. Voters can apply for a special ballot online through Elections Alberta’s website, by email, or by contacting their electoral division’s returning office. Advance voting will take place from October 13-17, with polling stations open on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
